College of Shadows by Mark Wells

Author:Mark Wells [Wells, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781916028418
Publisher: Cambridge Tales Ltd
Published: 2019-04-05T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

The Buttery was already busy when Nick arrived on his way to morning lectures. With rugby trials later that afternoon, he planned on having his main meal now and a light lunch later. It was what Nick did most match days at home, so he opted for a full English breakfast, cereal and a stack of toast. His tray was laden when he approached the checkout.

“Good morning. How are you this morning?” said the woman standing there. Nick noticed she had the same sort of outfit his mother wore to work.

“Good, thanks.”

“You want coffee or tea with that?”

“Coffee, please,” said Nick.

“It’s OK, I can bring it over,” she said.

“You don’t need to, I can come back,” he said, thinking of his mother.

“Is no problem. You go sit.”

“Thanks. It’s Nick, by the way.”

Nick fished his Buttery card from the back pocket of his jeans and swiped it on the reader.

“Enjoy your breakfast, Nick,” she said, smiling.

Taking his tray, he walked between the tables, looking for an empty one. Most of them were already full. There was one towards the back that had only one occupant. It was Annabel’s tutor. The old professor sat there quietly in his crumpled suit, a faded college scarf draped over his shoulders and a cup of tea poised in front of his face, staring into space.

“May I join you?” asked Nick.

The professor started and looked up. His face brightened in recognition.

“Ah, Mr Wood, isn’t it?”

Nick was surprised he knew his name.

“Yes, it is. Nick Wood.”

He put his tray down and took his backpack from his shoulders.

“Professor Ravi Gupta. Nice to meet you,” said the old man, offering his hand.

Nick took it as he sat down opposite him. “Nice to meet you, Professor.”

“Thank you for coming to see me so soon,” said the professor.

“Sorry?” asked Nick, confused.

The professor frowned. “Ah, I see now that Annabel didn’t pass on my message.”

“No. This was the only table free.”

“A coincidence, then,” said the professor. “How interesting.”

“Your coffee, Nick,” came a voice behind him.

Nick turned and saw the waitress standing there with his coffee.

“Good morning, Professor,” she said.

At this, the old man’s face lit up.

“Good morning, Aurelia. I see you have already met Mr Wood.”

“Yes, we have already met. A very polite young man,” she said, setting the cup and saucer down on the table.

“Can I get you any more tea, Professor?”

“No thank you, Aurelia,” said the professor, still smiling broadly.

“Well, good day, gentlemen.”

Aurelia turned and headed back between the tables. Nick noticed the professor’s eyes following her progress, the smile fading as she left them. You old dog, Nick thought as he started on his muesli.

“Aurelia seems to have a high opinion of you, Nick,” said the professor, studying him over his tea.

Nick shrugged. “Just being polite.”

The professor nodded and put his tea down.

“So, Nick, tell me about the missing statue.”

Nick almost choked on his mouthful of cereal. Thanks, Annabel, he thought. He swallowed painfully as the professor watched him.

“It was nothing really. It was when I was helping Annabel move into her room.

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